My picks for hotels near LEGOLAND California include some of San Diego’s best luxury hotels, the LEGOLAND California hotels onsite for diehard fans, a few Carlsbad beach hotels, accommodations with space for large families, and a handful of value options.
Families with young children base their vacations in Carlsbad because you can spend multiple days enjoying the LEGOLAND park, water park (when it’s open during the summer), and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Pretty Carlsbad beaches are nearby and the rates can be a bit more wallet-friendly than other resorts across the county.
So, without further ado, here are the best hotels near LEGOLAND California Resort (one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids).
We independently select featured hotels and may earn a commission if you book through the links below.
1. LEGOLAND Hotel
Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: It’s adjacent to the park (you can’t get any closer)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Families who want to immerse in the LEGO experience.
Why go: You have the ultimate LEGO enthusiast in tow who wants to immerse in all things LEGO. Or, you’re going during peak season and want to avoid crowds. A stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel provides exclusive early entry to the park up to an hour before it opens to the public (it’s usually 30 minutes).
You can also book VIP experiences with your hotel stay, including VIP dining, character escorts around the hotel and in the park, priority ride access, and more. It is the ultimate LEGO experience.
Hotel amenities:
- Your choice of LEGO-themed rooms – Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, LEGO Friends, and NINJAGO
- Free breakfast buffet
- Nightly children’s entertainment
- Free WiFi (included in the nightly resort fee)
- Free 24-hour fitness center
- Outdoor pool (heated) with pool cabanas
- Free parking (included in the nightly resort fee)
- Two restaurants
- Hotel bar and lounge
- Room service
- Concierge
- Cribs available
- Gift shop (filled with plenty of LEGOs)
- In-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises for kids.
Good to know: This is a busy hotel with many kids.
Reservations: The best place to book the LEGOLAND California hotels is through LEGOLAND directly. You can bundle tickets for additional savings as well.
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2. LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
Address: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: It’s adjacent to the park (you can’t get any closer)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Families who want to immerse in the LEGO experience centered around LEGO Kingdoms.
Why go: This LEGOLAND California hotel has 250 premium themed rooms, including 20 suites. Upon entering LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, guests first step into a grand hall where a LEGO wizard meets them before taking a magical levitating lift (elevator) to take them to one of three floors where adventures await.
In the Knight rooms, guests are surrounded by dragons and knights as they prepare to go into battle to defend the king’s castle and protect the king’s treasure.
In the Princess rooms, woodland animals such as butterflies, squirrels, owls, and songbirds, all made of LEGO, are found.
In the Wizard rooms, guests discover how magic is used to protect the king’s treasure with the use of giggling potions and spells.
Hotel amenities:
- LEGO fully themed rooms – Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard
- Building station in each children’s room
- Free breakfast buffet
- Slide in the lobby
- Nightly children’s entertainment
- Outdoor movie theater
- In-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises for the kids
- Separate park entrance for hotel guests
- Zero-entry pool with water play features
- Laundry on-site
Good to know: Deluxe rooms sleep five people (king, bunk, and trundle beds). Deluxe Suites sleep seven people (king, bunk, trundle, and sofa beds).
Reservations: As I said above, I think it’s best to book the onsite hotels through LEGOLAND California.
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3. Four Seasons Residences Club Aviara, North San Diego (Top Pick)
Address: 7210 Blue Heron Place, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 5.9 miles
Hotel class: Luxury
Top pick for: Families who adore Four Seasons style service, residence-style accommodations with living rooms and kitchens, and quieter luxury.
Why go: You’d like to visit LEGOLAND, California but are most comfortable with exquisite Four Seasons service (as frequent guests like me are). You’d prefer a quieter, more exclusive five-star property with space for large families and multigenerational travel.
One and two-bedroom villas at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara have kitchens and separate bedrooms from the living area feel like a home away from home. They also have king rooms with sofa beds (no two queen rooms).
Hotel amenities:
- Kids Club 760 with fun activities such as arts and crafts, ping pong, video games and dive-in movies (unstaffed)
- Board games to check out and use in the villa
- Child-sized bathrobes and slippers and special children’s bath amenities
- Two swimming pools and children’s wading pool
- Childproofing, high chairs, and other amenities are available upon request
- Full-service spa and fitness center
- Babysitting services
- Free parking (self-parking) is included with the nightly hotel fee
- Signature Beachtown Tours (the kids can come, too) in a vintage Woodie, by reservation
- Seasons barista bar for gourmet coffee drinks and to-go items
Good to know: Aviara is inland from the beach, and you will need a rental car. I truly love this resort and think it’s somewhat of a hidden gem. I also feel that you get what you pay for (which sometimes might just be less than you think for a Four Seasons).
Reservations: I can add Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits to your booking that include:
The villas will undergo an enhancement project from October 17, 2024, through May 2025. To maintain a high standard of service and minimize noise, the renovation will be conducted in three phases, with one section of the property undergoing updates at a time. For more information, please call +(1 800) 819-5053.
4. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Address: 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 6.8 miles
Hotel class: Luxury
Top pick for: World of Hyatt members, families traveling to LEGOLAND who prefer larger luxury resorts, large groups, and connecting rooms or suites.
Why go: You want to base the family in a North County San Diego luxury hotel with excellent service, excellent golf, and an award-winning spa.
The hotel was recently renovated to a beautiful standard. I find that Park Hyatt Aviara can price very well during certain times of the year, and they do (usually) have reasonably priced suites with separate living areas, which young families tend to enjoy. I’ve also been particularly happy with their behind-the-scenes service.
Hotel amenities:
- Lessons at Aviara Golf Academy for all ages
- Bird watching over the wetlands
- Seasonal junior tennis clinics
- Outdoor family resort-style pool with a splash pad and water slide
- Shallow wading pool and water play area
- Poolside cafe with kid-sized picnic tables
- Surf concierge, including transportation to Ponto Beach and 2 hours of boogie board or surf lessons for ages 6 and above
- Arnold Palmer designed golf course
- Six state-of-the-art lighted tennis courts
- Adults-only outdoor pool with panoramic views
- An impressive 15,000-square-foot spa with solarium lounge area, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, couples treatment areas, and locker and dressing areas
- TaylorMade Performance Lab for a 2-hour custom club fitting experience
- Exquisite, varied dining across multiple restaurants
- Frette robes, pillow-top beds, rooms with a private balcony
- Seasonal shuttle service to Moonlight State Beach and other Carlsbad Beaches
Good to know: This incredibly beautiful part of Carlsbad is inland from the I-5 freeway, so you’ll need to drive to the beach. You can read my full Park Hyatt Aviara Resort review.
Awards: AAA Five Diamonds
Reservations: You can book Park Hyatt Aviara Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
- Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Complimentary daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room and indoor solarium lounge.
- Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
When booking on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.
5. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort (Top Pick for Beach)
Address: 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 5 miles
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Families who want to spend a decent amount of time at the beach in addition to LEGOLAND.
Why go: If you’d like to enjoy the best of both worlds (beach and LEGOLAND), Cape Rey Carlsbad Becah is your best choice. They are an official LEGOLAND California partner hotel with an onsite concierge to help structure your day in LEGO heaven.
It’s also not your average Hilton property. Cape Rey has an upbeat, family-friendly vibe catered to those who are adventurous at heart and a long list of activities. They also have a courtesy shuttle to LEGOLAND California (subject to availability) that also goes to nearby restaurants, shopping, and other attractions within five miles of the resort.
Hotel amenities:
- A robust events calendar that even locals take advantage of
- Beach Butler shuttle service and complimentary beach pack with an umbrella, two chairs, two towels, and bottled water.
- Surf excursions and lessons are available for booking through the onsite Director of Adventure (the famous South Ponto surf break on Carlsbad State Beach is across the street)
- Chandler’s restaurant, which serves California cuisine
- Some rooms have partial or full ocean views.
- Complimentary WiFi
- Rooms have 50″ TVs with premium channels, Hilton Serenity Beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, in-room coffee
- Full-service Ocean Crest Spa
- Oceanview pool with jacuzzi and cabanas
- Bike rentals
- Complimentary shuttle within a 5-mile radius (including LEGOLAND)
- Complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby
Good to know: Check their packages online, where the room rate bundles discounts on dining, beach activities, and some local attractions.
Awards: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, AAA Four Diamond Award
Reservations: Book using the Hilton Honors discount. If you’re not a member, it’s free to join, and then you can use the app, including Digital Key entry to your room or suite.
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See also: Guide to Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort
6. Omni la Costa Resort and Spa
Address: 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 7.9 miles
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Multigenerational trips (villas from studios to three bedrooms with kitchens plus connecting rooms and suites), parents who enjoy world-class spas, and people who like resorts with an abundance of kids’ offerings.
Why go: What is widely regarded as San Diego’s most family-friendly resort, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa also happens to be a hotel near LEGOLAND California.
It’s an excellent option for people who like to spend time at a resort because between the famous golf course, award-winning spa, resort-style pool, kids’ club, and activities calendar there is undoubtedly a lot to do here.
They also have gorgeous villas with designer kitchens that are seriously great value for larger families and multigenerational trips.
Hotel amenities:
- Kidtopia kid’s club, designed by an architect that specializes in theme parks and museums, offers supervised play for infants and toddlers, potty-trained kids ages 3–5, and kids ages 6–12 (each age group enjoys different programming)
- Splash Landing pools with a water play area and water slides
- Sandy Beach Family Pool with sand to play in
- A pretty impressive daily activity schedule that can include anything from reptile shows to s’more roasting
- The adults-only Edge Pool
- Lifestyle boutiques for golf, yoga, and beach gear, among other finds
- Bar Traza for a craft cocktail, all-day dining with a view at VUE, or Bob’s Steak House
- Two world-renowned golf courses
- Spa at La Costa’s awesome lounging facilities and nature-inspired treatments
- One-, two- and three-bedroom villas, of which most have full kitchens to blend vacation and home
Good to know: Many first-floor rooms have French doors that open to a nice patio. La Costa suites (one of the most popular room types because the living room closes off to the bedroom and is reasonably priced) are closest to the family pool. The pool and its cafe can have seasonal hours. Rooms need a renovation.
Awards: Southern California’s only Gold Medal Golf Resort (Golf Magazine), #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa Magazine, Travel + Leisure’s #4 Spa in North America
Reservations: I used to book Omni La Costa with my extra benefits, but I find that people who stay here either book directly using Omni sale rates or through hotels.com.
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7. West Inn & Suites
Address: 4970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 2.1 miles
Hotel class: Budget
Top pick for: Families who are value-oriented and need larger accommodations but don’t need the amenities of a five-star resort.
Why go: You are a value-oriented traveler. West Inn and Suites is a charming boutique hotel with excellent amenities that won’t break the bank.
Located about a 5-minute drive from LEGOLAND and just three blocks (a 10-minute walk) to the beach and the Museum of Making Music, this pet-friendly, 86-room hotel’s relaxed yet sophisticated setting may be perfect for a family vacation, a romantic weekend getaway, or for business travelers.
There are 35 suites among the hotel’s 86 rooms. We have enjoyed staying here in a spacious suite with our rescued pitbull in tow (dogs can’t be left alone in the rooms).
See also: Even Our Dog Enjoyed Room Service at West Inn & Suites
Hotel amenities:
- Complimentary water (2 bottles in your room) upon arrival
- Refrigerator and microwave
- In-room, one-cup coffee maker
- Free WiFi
- Day use of beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards & beach toys
- Dog/cat-friendly rooms (additional fees apply)
- Fitness center
- Heated pool and hot tub
- Casual & fine dining on-site supported by the hotel’s own West Farm
- Room service by Bistro to Go
- Free hot breakfast
- Complimentary self-parking
- Cribs and pack and plays
- Weekday newspapers
- Rollaways (small additional fee applies) and turn down service upon request
Good to know: This hotel near LEGOLAND California Resort offers a special LEGOLAND Package (in addition to other special packages) providing admission tickets and a shuttle to and from the park.
Reservations:
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8. Grand Pacific Palisades
Address: 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: Located across the street from the theme park. Walking distance to the turnstiles is probably 10 minutes.
Hotel class: Moderate-Budget (larger accommodations can be good value)
Why go: This is a good pick for families who need accommodations with kitchens because they like to cook meals (there is a nearby Costco). These are timeshare accommodations that anyone can book. Condos can have one, two, or three bedrooms.
This well-located resort on 12 landscaped acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean has a pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND, a separate adult, Olympic-sized pool with a sunset view and cabanas, and a family-friendly kid pool. It’s also close to the outlet mall, beaches, and Carlsbad Village.
See also: Hotels Near LEGOLAND: Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
Hotel amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Olympic-sized adult pool and cabanas
- Family pool with a kids’ interactive splash pad
- State-of-the-art fitness center and steam room
- Activity center and weekly resort events for all
- Video and game room
- Pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND California Resort
- Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant nearby for breakfast and room service
- Just a free shuttle away is the luxurious Ocean Pearl Spa at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort
- In-room massage treatments
- Business center
- Grand Concierge services to meet all your resort needs
- Resort shuttle available within a 5-mile radius
- Rollaway beds
Good to know: The complimentary Tide Trolley is a fun-filled way to be transported to Carlsbad’s pristine Tamarack Beach and is available on Saturday and Sunday, daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and various holidays throughout the year.
Reservations: Grand Pacific Palisades is part of Hilton Grand Vacations, but you can also book on VRBO.
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9. The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Address: 5805 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: Across the street with the same pedestrian entrance as Grand Pacific Palisades
Hotel class: Moderate
Why go: You want to stay in a brand new boutique hotel near LEGOLAND California. It’s part of the Grand Pacific Palisades complex, so some amenities, like the Olympic-sized pool and splash pad, are shared, but the accommodations are very different.
At The Cassara Carlsbad, you’ll find fresh Mediterranean-style decor and menus. But also 29 family suites in addition to the 90 guest rooms. “Karlsbad” Family Suites and Corner Suites have a king bed in the parlor and two twin beds in a separate room. They also are very reasonably priced. Of course, there are king and two queen rooms for couples, business, travelers, and friends.
Hotel amenities:
- Family suites with Keurig coffee makers and mini-refrigerators
- Pet-friendly rooms (small dogs — additional fees apply)
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Access to nearby Ocean Pearl Spa
- Two swimming pools (the adults-only Olympic-sized pool and family pool with splash pad)
- Digital Key room access (via the Hilton app)
- The Cassara Kitchen & Bar for craft cocktails, sangria, and coastal comfort food
- Resort shuttle available within a 5-mile radius
Reservations: Join Hilton Honors (free) and book the discounted member rate.
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10. Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Address: 5420 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Distance to LEGOLAND California: Next door with a private entrance to the park
Hotel class: Moderate
Why go: The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is located adjacent to the Crossings Carlsbad golf course and has a private entrance to the LEGOLAND California Resort, a large outdoor patio, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort shares some amenities with its sister property, The Westin Carlsbad, where the Ocean Pearl Spa is located.
This resort also offers California coastal cuisine at its onsite 7 Mile Kitchen. It’s for people who want to be close to LEGOLAND and stay in a larger, family-friendly resort but not immerse entirely in all things LEGO.
Hotel amenities:
- Free WiFi
- 48 Studio Ponto Suites (one king bed and two twin beds)
- Adjacent to The Crossings golf course
- Mini refrigerator
- You can put rollaway beds and microwaves in the room for an extra fee.
- 24-hour heated swimming pool, water slide, and Jacuzzi
- 24-hour Sheraton fitness center
- Convenience store for sundries and snacks
- Private entrance to LEGOLAND® California Resort
- In-room Starbucks coffee
- One bottled water in-room
- Complimentary shuttle service within a five-mile radius
- Complimentary beach trolley during the summer months
Good to know: The private entrance to LEGOLAND opens exactly at 10 a.m. (or when the park opens to the public).
Reservations: It’s free to join Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll earn points and be able to book at their discounted rate.
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11. Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
Address: 6450 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND California: 3.2 miles
Hotel class: Budget
Why go: You’d like to be located across the street from the beach and have a few more home comforts like a refrigerator and microwave or a (usually) reasonably-priced suite.
Situated near LEGOLAND California Resort, the Carlsbad State Beach, and the Flower Fields, with many ocean-view hotel rooms and suites. Every room in the hotel has free high-speed internet access, a writing desk, and cable television.
Several on-site dining and lounge options are also available, including a 24-hour convenience store called The Shop. Guests can grab breakfast and dinner at Coast 6450 Restaurant (which has ocean views and a bar with daily happy hour).
Hotel amenities:
- High-speed internet
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM
- Business center
- Fitness center
- Outdoor games like ping pong and corn hole
- Small market
- Outdoor pool with Jacuzzi
- Laundry
- Self-parking
- Bike rentals
Reservations: Be sure to join Hilton Honors as occasionally, their member rate through Hilton is usually lower.
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12. Fairfield Inn and Suites Carlsbad
Address: 1929 Palomar Oaks Way, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Distance to LEGOLAND: 3.4 miles
Hotel class: Budget
Why go: Fairfield Inn and Suites Carlsbad has the quality and consistency of a Marriott property. It’s located just minutes from Carlsbad State Beach, LEGOLAND, world-class golf, and shopping at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. A free hot breakfast is also included, and guests give the hotel glowing reviews for what you get.
Hotel amenities:
- Free hot breakfast, WiFi, and parking
- Fitness center
- 24/7 business center
- 48″ flat screen TVs in each room.
- A 24-hour market
- Heated outdoor pool
- Marriott Rewards points
- Each room features a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave
- Complimentary high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms
Reservations: This is one of the Marriott hotels near LEGOLAND California, so join Marriott Bonvoy for free and book at the discounted member rate.
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Vacation Rentals Near LEGOLAND California
If you’ve decided that a vacation rental near LEGOLAND California is more appropriate for your situation, Carlsbad is full of lovely inland residential communities and properties near the beach.
Important Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND California
When planning a LEGOLAND California Carlsbad family getaway, it is critical to check park hours. This San Diego theme park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the off-peak season.
The LEGOLAND Water Park is only open on weekends during off-peak season and not at all from November–February.
You may skip the lines at LEGOLAND California with a VIP tour that is handy during peak season.
The park is geared mostly toward children who are under 12 years old.
Buy LEGOLAND Discount Tickets
There are several ways to save money on LEGOLAND tickets.
- Straight-to-the-gate discount tickets from San Diego based aRes Travel are great for when you just need LEGOLAND California tickets. Promo code LEGO applies additional savings that vary based on the ticket. They also can package LEGOLAND tickets with hotels in vacation packages.
- LEGOLAND is part of the Go City San Diego pass, the most popular sightseeing pass in San Diego. (Read my Go City San Diego review.)
- Or you can take a look at CityPASS San Diego if you are going to the other attractions it includes. (Read my CityPASS San Diego review.)
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Discount!
Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates.
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
See also: How to Buy Discounted LEGOLAND California Tickets and Best San Diego Beachfront Hotels
Katie Dillon
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